Andrew Carey
WHEN Steve Collins held is dying son in his arms, all Roy could do was tell his father that he loved him and his mother as he gasped for air.
On April 9, 2009, Roy Collins died on his way to hospital at the hands of “evil men” because his family did the right thing and stand up to murderous thugs and their intimidation.
1833 days later his family finally got the full justice they deserved as Wayne Dundon and Nathan Killeen were jailed for life.
Both men were on suicide watch last Tuesday night after being given their lengthy sentences, Steve and his family continue the “life sentence” they were given when their innocent loved one was “callously murdered” in a shooting that shocked a city for the second time in less than six months.
There are no victors in death, and the pain caused to the Collins family can not be described – Steve told the three judges of the special criminal court that very fact in his victim impact statement.
Addressing the court on behalf of his family, Steve wore his heart on his sleeve and showed the pain that the evil act has caused. He was emotional as he spoke openly with a heavy heart.
Lives were shattered, children lost their father, a partner lost her future husband, parents buried a child and siblings lost their big brother… and all while Steve Collins lives with the reality that those evil cowards were coming for him.
After his address, Steve watched on as one of Limerick’s most feared and dangerous criminals was given a life sentence after the evidence of his cousin and close fellow gangland associate, Anthony “Noddy” McCarthy led to Dundon’s conviction.
Killeen was convicted because of the compelling forensic evidence linking him to the gunman and the testimony of Lisa McCarthy who said Killeen told her he was going to carry out the murder.
Killeen drove the getaway car for James Dillion who was acting on the orders of Wayne Dundon.
All three are serving life sentences while the Collins family hope to let their beloved Roy rest in peace and one day return to Limerick.
